And continues to serve the community
— by Ed Sutton —
Twelve years as a Fire Commissioner! The recently completed County election has resulted in a “changing of the guard” at the Orcas Island Fire and Rescue District. After twelve years as a Commissioner, Clyde Duke has stepped aside, choosing not to run for a third six-year term. Clyde will be replaced by new Commissioner Wes Heinmiller.
The Duke family moved to Orcas Island in 1990, having purchased land some years earlier in 1984. Clyde, his wife April, and their two young daughters, Megan and Rachael settled into the Eastsound community as they began a new business, Duke Construction, that specialized in roofing construction and replacement. Some time later, a new sibling for the girls, a brother Bryan added to the family.
The Dukes became involved in the community and Clyde joined OIFR as a firefighter. Several years later, the Duke family embarked on a family adventure by sailing around the world in a 51′
sailboat. Beginning in 1999, they circled the globe, returning to Orcas Island in 2001.
Clyde became reinvolved in OIFR and in 2003 ran for an open position as a Fire Commissioner. When questioned as to his most satisfying accomplishments during those twelve years, he offered that the acquisition of new equipment including five smaller “brush trucks” allowed for more effective response to fire emergencies. Too, during his tenure, he said that the District completed a network of fire stations, including construction of the Deer Harbor Station House, which replaced various lease agreements in older, less adequate buildings.
Duke said that he was most satisfied with having helped bring stability to the OIFR Department, and having contributed to the evolution of the organization that is a vital and integral part of the Orcas Island community. He stated that going forward, the District should consider expanding the Board of Commissioners to five members as decisions have become increasingly complex and broader discussions would be beneficial to that process.
Clyde continues to be involved in the Eastsound community, currently serving on the Eastsound Planning and Review Committee. The Dukes own both The Athletic Center and Random Howse. So, when you next see that white haired guy in the red pickup truck, say, “Thanks Clyde. We all appreciate your many years of service to the community.”
It sure wasn’t like the olden days. I offer my thanks to Clyde and the community should too. The brush trucks were a long time coming. Finally something that will go up Buck Mountain and down a bunch of driveways.
We tried more Commissioners at the County level and I’m not sure how that works. I think delegating to the Chief and some expansion of duties to Lieutenants might be better. But I was trying to thank Clyde.
So thanks Clyde for a great 12 years.
Chiming on with you Linda- for the community , as project manager for the grass root effort to build the Stage on the Green in 2006, I am , with our group, thankful to acknowledge Clyde Duke for contributing the roof and installation to the stage, along with many other contributors, he inspired. Again years later Clyde, volunteering, re-invigorated and rebuilt the Live roof on the rear of the stage, now prospering. And witnessing his commitment while working with him on the Deer Harbor station on the landscaping and finally he contributed on a personal level , the materials for the roof on the Greening house….in addition to the Brush trucks many heartful thanks to Clyde and April this community for these 12 years
After having watched Clyde manage the crew that put a new roof on our house, I knew that he would make an excellent Fire Commissioner.
And I was right: Clyde was good at the job. We were in good hands with him on the Commission.
For those folks who needed “Cliff Notes” to pass the recent historical quiz posted in Orcas Issues, Linda Henry was also a Fire Commissioner in the distant past when the pumper truck was drawn by horses and the firefighters
pumped the water by pushing on long handles on each side of the fire engine.
Thanks to you too, Linda, for your years of service. Love you !!